LCSO mourning loss of K-9 after Thursday night shooting

The Leon County Sheriff's Office is mourning the passing of K-9, Koda, who died Thursday night while trying to take down a robbery suspect.

Koda was a 5-and-a-half-year-old German Shepherd who had been with the sheriff's office since 2008. He was shot while pursuing Carlos Cespedes, 31, of Tallahassee. Cespedes shot Koda while trying to evade authorities.

Koda was taken to a local veterinary hospital where he died from a single gunshot wound.

"Last night the Leon County Sheriff's Office lost a valuable member of the agency," said Sheriff Larry Campbell.

"LCSO K-9 "Koda" was killed while protecting his partner, Deputy McMullen and otherdeputies from an armed violent fugitive. "Koda" was a fearless and loyal partner. He was trained to serve and protect and that is exactly what he did," Campbell said.

At 8:42 p.m. Thursday, Leon County Sheriff's Deputies attempted to pull over Cespedes, 31, of Tallahassee, at North Monroe Street and Fred George Road. Cespedes then fled, leading deputies on a chase before eventually crashing into a roadside ditch near Seminole and South Magnolia drives, said Lt. James McQuaig, public information officer for the Leon County Sheriff's Office.

From there, Cespedes got out of the car with a gun and began firing, eventually shooting Koda. Sheriff's deputies Ron McMullen and Tyler Epstein fired multiple shots back at Cespedes, eventually hitting him in the head.

Neither of those deputies were injured and Cespedes was taken to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. where he is being treated for his injuries. From there, he will be transported to Leon County Jail.

McMullen and Epstein were placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation, which is LCSO policy.

Cespedes had three prior active warrants from the Tallahassee Police Department including attempted first degree murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm from a vehicle, said McQuaig.

Update: 12:10 a.m.

A man is suffering gunshot wounds after exchanging fire with sheriff''s deputies and killing a member of the canine unit this evening.

At 8:42 p.m., Leon County Sheriff's Deputies attempted to pull over Carlos Manuel Cespedes, 31, at North Monroe Street and Fred George Road. Cespedes then fled, leading deputies on a chase before eventually crashing into a roadside ditch near Seminole Drive and South Magnolia Drive, said Lt. James McQuaig, public information officer for the Leon County Sheriff's Office.

From there, Cespedes got out of the car with a gun and began firing. A member of the canine unit, Koda, was shot and killed by Cespedes during the pursuit. Sheriff's deputies shot at Cespedes, eventually hitting him. Neither of those deputies were injured

McQuaig said there is no information on Cespedes' condition at the time but that he is being cared for at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.

At least two of the sheriff's deputies involved will be placed on administrative leave pending an internal affairs investigation, something McQuaig says is standard protocol.

Cespedes had three active warrants from the Tallahassee Police Department including attempted first degree murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm from a vehicle, said McQuaig.

Original Update

The Leon County Sheriff's Office is currently investigating a shooting on Seminole Drive near South Magnolia Drive in Southeast Tallahassee.

Check with Tallahassee.com later for more updates.

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LCSO mourning loss of K-9 after Thursday night shooting

The Leon County Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of K-9, Koda, who passed away Thursday night after being shot while attempting to take down a robbery suspect